We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time

Mercedes-Benz Citan: Test Drive Review

Date:
30 October 2012
|
Author: James Dallas

The Citan is the first model Mercedes has launched into a sector of the LCV market where it had previously been unrepresented since the Vito medium van broke cover in 1995.

This new light van is aimed primarily at craftsmen - owner/drivers and small firms - while in the UK Mercedes plans to challenge the supremacy of the VW Caddy and Vauxhall Combo. In Europe the Citan will also compete with its donor vehicle, the Renault Kangoo.

The Citan will be available in three lengths: compact (3940mm), long (4320mm) and extra long (4710mm). Three 1.5-litre diesel engines with particulate filters will be up for grabs with power outputs of 75, 90 and 110hp, and a 114hp 1.2-litre petrol engine will also be offered. Currently the van is offered with up to five seats but the brand says it could become available with seven in future.

We drove an extra long, 90hp, five-speed manual Citan, which comes with a load capacity of 3.8m3 and a payload of 800kg. The load area is accessed via asymmetrical twin glazed rear doors and sliding doors on both the near and off sides, which, Mercedes says will be standard in the UK.

Commendably, adaptive ESP is standard on all Citan variants, which is not universal in the light van segment. Safety kit also includes ABS, oversteer and understeer control, a traction control system, acceleration skid control and up to six airbags.

Merc claims UK customers will also get a plastic-lined load bay floor, cruise control and daytime running lights without having to pay extra for them.

The van we tested was fitted with Mercedes' Blue Efficiency package so it included fuel-saving features such as a stop/start system (one of the most effective we've tested) and low rolling-resistance tyres.

The dash and instrument panel in the cabin is uncluttered, if a trifle spartan, and the controls are clearly indicated, chunky and user-friendly. The driving position is comfortable and well-supported, too, and the gear change slick and well suited to urban journeys. Meanwhile, the ride quality is excellent - firm and true with no swaying or wallowing in corners - and interior noise is kept to a minimum.

The Citan is a competent, attractive urban vehicle that looks set to make its mark in a new segment for its maker.

Mercedes Citan 109 CDI Extra-long with Blue Efficiency

Price (ex VAT)

£20,000 (est.)

Price range (ex VAT)

£14,500-£20,000 (est.)

Insurance group

tba

Warranty

3yrs/unltd miles

Service intervals

24,000mls

Load length

2137mm

Load width (min/max)

1219mm/1460mm

Load bay height

1258mm

Gross payload

800kg

Load volume

3.8m3

Engine size/power

1.5-litre/90hp

On sale

January 2013

Combined fuel economy

61.4mpg

CO2

119g/km

Score

8/10

Verdict

A high quality, practical proposition well equipped to establish Mercedes in the light van sector, depending on the as-yet unconfirmed pricing

Verdict

A high quality, practical proposition well equipped to establish Mercedes in the light van sector, depending on the as-yet unconfirmed pricing

8/10

Share

Subscribe

For the latest news, tests and analysis, sign up to the BusinessCar daily email: